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Tuesday, February 7. 2017

When it comes to home improvement projects, the million-dollar question tends to be: to do or not to do by yourself? The fact is completing tasks on your own can sometimes save you time and money especially for those smaller jobs. But, when is it best to hand it over to a trained professional? Well, heres a list of the Top 5 Projects You Should Reserve for a Professional.

1. Plumbing

There are few things worse than having a leaky pipe in your home. The excess water that can build up can lead to much larger problems if left untreated. For this reason, youll want to get these sorts of problems fixed quickly.

In some cases, you may be able to fix smaller jobs, but the costs of hiring a plumber can often save you money in the long run. In other words, if you dont correct the leak properly, you might end up with much bigger problems, leading to an even larger fix, such as having to replace flooring, walls, or windows. Save the headache and hire a professional.

2. Electrical

Another job that is best left to a professional is anything that concerns your homes electrical issues. There are many risks that can be avoided by doing so. Mishandling of electrical projects can result in electrocution, injury (or worse!), and even fire. Electrical systems are complex, and without the proper knowledge to assess and eventually handle the situation, its always better to hand over the task to an experienced electrician.

3. Flooring

Although some flooring projects can easily be handled on your own, others can give you bigger headaches than you might be ready for. Flooring removal can be quite messy, and depending on what style you choose, can be frustrating to install.

It is recommended that tile floor removal be handled by a professional, as the tiles themselves can be fragile. Other flooring options, such as vinyl, require specific structural requirements in order for the best installation, and durability. This isnt to say that you cannot take on flooring projects, yourself, but perhaps consult a professional before moving forward.

4. Major renovations

If you intend on undergoing a larger project, such as a full kitchen or bathroom renovation, using a professional is always recommended. Although you can certainly handle smaller tasks on your own, the involvement of a hired professional can help you save money by getting the job done right the first time. Larger-scale projects often involve more than just surface level work. Experienced contractors will understand the complexity of the job, and help to navigate through it, without the risk of any major complications. And, if you are the type of person that would like to take on those smaller projects, you can always discuss your options with whomever you hire!

5. Obtaining permits

While this isnt a project, necessarily, it is highly recommended to leaving anything that requires a permit (or just obtaining them) to the professionals. There are many reasons for that, including, knowing what permits are required, keeping track of them or maintaining organization (i.e. not losing them!) and perhaps most importantly, because a contractor is likely more equipped to handle the task and any unforeseen incidents that may take place throughout the construction period.

The bottom line is, if there is a significant potential to seriously injure yourself or set your house on fire, you might want to consider leaving it to the professionals. This isnt to say you cant acquire a new skill, but if its a specialized project, it might be best to sit that one out.